Introduction:
Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant and ancient Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is observed in the spring, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, and lasts for seven or eight days, depending on the Jewish tradition. The festival is rich in symbolism and ritual, reflecting themes of liberation, redemption, and divine intervention.

Biblical Origins:
The origins of Passover are found in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The narrative describes a series of plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The final and most severe plague was the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the Lord would "pass over" their homes, sparing them from this plague. Exodus 12:13 states, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

Rituals and Observances:
Passover is marked by several key rituals, most notably the Seder meal, which takes place on the first night (or first two nights in some traditions). The Seder is a highly structured meal that includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the eating of symbolic foods, and the recitation of prayers and hymns. Central to the Seder is the Haggadah, a text that outlines the order of the meal and the account of the Exodus.

The consumption of unleavened bread, or matzah, is a critical aspect of Passover. This practice commemorates the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise. Exodus 12:39 recounts, "They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was without yeast; because they had been driven out of Egypt and could not delay, they had not prepared any provisions for themselves."

Symbolic Foods:
The Seder plate contains several symbolic foods, each representing different aspects of the Exodus account. These include:

· Maror (bitter herbs): Symbolizing the bitterness of slavery.
· Charoset: A sweet mixture representing the mortar used by the Israelites in their forced labor.
· Karpas (a green vegetable): Dipped in saltwater to symbolize the tears shed by the Israelites.
· Zeroa (shank bone): Representing the sacrificial lamb.
· Beitzah (egg): Symbolizing mourning and the cycle of life.

Passover in the New Testament:
Passover holds significant meaning in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Last Supper, which is believed to have been a Passover meal. Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are closely linked to Passover, with Jesus often referred to as the "Lamb of God." In 1 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul writes, "Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Theological Significance:
For Christians, Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice and the deliverance from sin. The themes of liberation and redemption resonate deeply within Christian theology, drawing parallels between the Israelites' physical liberation from Egypt and the spiritual liberation offered through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:
Passover remains a profound and enduring celebration within Judaism, rich with historical and spiritual significance. Its observance continues to remind the Jewish people of God's faithfulness and deliverance, while also offering Christians a deeper understanding of the redemptive work of Christ.